Bees require a steady supply of nectar for energy and pollen for protein to maintain their colonies, a symbiotic relationship that sustains countless plant species globally. Roses, with their widespread popularity in gardens, often lead homeowners to wonder if these classic blooms support the necessary work of pollinators. While the rose is a beautiful addition to any landscape, the answer to how beneficial it is to a bee depends almost entirely on the specific variety being grown. Many modern rose cultivars, unfortunately, offer very little in the way of nutritional reward for foraging insects.
Why Most Cultivated Roses Offer Little Value
Most modern, highly cultivated rose varieties, such as Hybrid Teas and Floribundas, provide little or no nutritional value for bees. These types of roses are often bred for their aesthetics, resulting in large, multi-layered blooms that are visually stunning but biologically poor food sources. Bees may land on these flowers, attracted by color or scent, but they typically leave quickly after failing to find a substantial reward.
The primary reason for this low value is the near-total absence of nectar, as roses are generally not considered nectar plants for bees. Furthermore, the pollen that bees seek for its rich protein content is often either scarce or completely inaccessible. The majority of heavily bred cultivars simply do not meet the nutritional requirements of a foraging insect.
The Design Flaw How Breeding Affects Foraging
The low foraging value of many cultivated roses is a direct consequence of intensive horticultural breeding practices. Breeders often select for a trait called “doubling,” which results in flowers with numerous petals packed tightly together. This desirable aesthetic feature, however, is a biological flaw from a pollinator’s perspective.
The process of doubling involves the mutation of the flower’s reproductive organs, specifically the pollen-producing stamens, into extra petals. A wild rose typically has five petals and an open center full of stamens, but a fully double rose may have 70 or more petals, with stamens largely absent or transformed. This physical change either eliminates the pollen supply or hides reproductive parts deep within the dense petal structure. For a bee, this makes existing pollen or nectar virtually impossible to access, turning the bloom into a foraging dead end.
Types of Roses Bees Prefer
Fortunately, not all roses are problematic for pollinators; those that maintain their natural, simple structure are excellent pollen sources. Bees thrive on single-petaled and semi-double varieties, which have open centers and visibly exposed stamens. These types allow for easy access to the golden, protein-rich pollen that bees collect to feed their developing young.
Species roses, often called wild roses, are naturally suitable for bees, including varieties like Rosa rugosa and the native dog rose (Rosa canina). Heritage roses and some modern shrub and rambling roses also appeal to bees if they feature an open, cupped flower shape. Choosing a rose with five to fifteen petals—or simply one where the yellow center is clearly visible—ensures the plant contributes positively to the local pollinator population. Some modern breeders have also introduced intentionally bee-friendly lines, such as the ‘Bees Paradise’ collection, which feature small, open blooms.
Alternative Plants Bees Love More
While selecting a bee-friendly rose is helpful, gardeners interested in maximizing pollinator support should include plants known for superior nectar and pollen production. Plants with a high nectar flow provide the necessary carbohydrates for flight. Incorporating a mix of high-value alternatives ensures a continuous food source throughout the season.
Excellent pollinator magnets include herbs like lavender and borage, which offer copious amounts of nectar. Coneflowers (Echinacea) and Bee Balm (Monarda) are also highly recommended, as their central landing zones are packed with accessible nectar and pollen. Planting a diverse array of these flowers alongside open-flowered roses will create a much more supportive habitat for bees.